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Monday, January 14, 2013

PADUCAH, KY -- Kentucky Equality Federation officials recently contacted Paducah Middle School about bullying complaints. Due to the severity of one of complaints, with one child saying she was considering suicide, the complaint was pulled from the School Bullying Committee and handled directly by Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer and Attorney Jillian Hall, Vice President of Legal.

"School officials immediately responded and took swift action," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. “We cannot stress enough the impact school bullying has on the Commonwealth's youth and sincerely thank Paducah Middle School, from the school attorney, school principal, guidance counselors, and other members of the school in administration for their immediate action. Paducah Middle School should be a model to the rest of the schools in the Commonwealth for their swift action and immediate response. It is possible a life was saved due to their immediate response to our letter."

Palmer continued: "Regardless of the circumstances, children need to know they can go to school officials with bullying. It must be reported to the principal who must then report it to the County Attorney for investigation. The attitude to enforce Kentucky law however is set from the principal down and we again applaud Principal Tim Huddleston, Paducah Middle School's faculty and staff, and their legal representation, Mark Whitlow, an outstanding individual."

Kentucky Equality Federation attorney Jillian Hall added: "What a pleasure it was working with Paducah officials, and reaching a successful outcome without issue. Other Kentucky school systems should really look to the Paducah Middle School for a framework for change in their own programs."

Federation Press Office

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